North Country Cache

Click the picture and then again at the linked page and you can read one chapter for free!Order from the linked page

Followers - sign up and make me look good!

My Other Blogs

Current Background

The current background was built from trail signage in the Catskills with rain on the lens

If you like my books, essays, etc. you might want to put your name on this private email list (no spam ever) for advance notices, coupons, and occasional freebies. Tell your friends too! Books Leaving Footprints Newsletter. Previous gifts include a short story, a poem and a half-off coupon for the newest book. Sign up, and don't miss out!"

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A number of years ago when I was teaching a Sunday School class the kids and I made up a devotional exercise called "Summer Rainbows." During the week they would look for something in nature with each color of the spectrum. They wrote down each find, and thought of something to thank God for that related to each item. It's a little harder in the winter, but I've found a set this week, and I'll share it with you.

The red is British soldiers lichen, so named because of the color is like the "redcoat" uniforms of the Revolutionary War period, and the little stalks all stand up straight like soldiers. These were growing on what's left of a bench back by the railroad tracks. They just always make me smile, and I'm really grateful for things that bring smiles.

Orange is the color of weeping willow branches in the winter. Weeping willows are associated historically and in legend with both joy and sorrow. I just like the way they look- so graceful. Their beauty is certainly not easy to ignore. I'm thankful for the peace their symmetry and gentle swaying inspires.

The lichen growing on this aspen tree is bright shades of yellow. I find it amazing that organisms that function to break down and decay dead wood can be so bright and cheerful. Think about what would happen if dead plants and animals did not break down and return to the soil. Thank you God, for a natural system that works so well.

The green moss was hiding under the snow and brown grasses, and its bright mounds were right there, a secret spot of color. It's a reminder that there are hidden spots of beauty everywhere, including in people who may not look beautiful at first glance. Remind me of that when I need it, Lord.

It was tempting to just take a picture of the blue sky, but that seemed too easy. Here are red elder buds. They are surprisingly large, and look very blue in the natural light. This is not the edible elderberry, but a relative. They are so large that they practically scream "there is new life coming!" I am very thankful for all the promises of life. If we didn't remember spring and summer, the winters would seem pretty bleak... even to me, the winter lover.

For purple I chose the leaves of a Heuchera in my garden, peeking through the snow. This plant was a gift from a friend this past summer. I'm thankful for Cindy and her kindness to me.

Thus ends the first rainbow devotional exercise that I've shared with you. Perhaps there will be more in the future.

Oh, Mountain Woman- That is perfect! That is one thing I like to do so much is to encourage people to look for things outside that are easily overlooked. I know you have colors where you are... it's just hard to "see" them in the winter because our minds are only seeing white and brown.

wow, what beautiful colors, it must be fun hunting for those colors, indeed, they are easy to find in the summer, and you show really an example to not judge the place or the people by how they first seem for their beauty may be found after we look at its entirety or marvelously hidden. i love your post and your pictures.

rainfield- I really don't have any idea if this lichen is found in the tropics. But if you find some, be sure to show us!

betchai- thank you! I do love to hunt for these little hidden treasures. All my body parts are mending, but not perfect yet. I am getting tired of nothing but soup, but that may last until my new partial plate is made. Sigh.